ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, is going to start on February 19 and it's going to be in Pakistan. Ricky Ponting, who is a really good cricket player who has won the World Cup two times, thinks that India and Australia are going to be the last two teams to play for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 . Ponting was speaking on the ICC Review and he said that.

Ponting also said that England and South Africa are going to probably make it to the semifinals because they have good players and play really well. Be that as it might, there's also another cricket expert, Ravi Shastri, who used to teach the India team how to play well, and he thinks Ricky Ponting is right.

Ricky Ponting Predicts Champions Trophy Finalists, Highlights 'Unpredictable' Pakistan

Ricky Ponting was speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on the ICC show. Ponting told everyone that when the major games happen, such as the World Cup, India and Australia are usually the teams to watch. These two teams are really good because they have very talented athletes, and they've been doing very good for a long time.

India grasped the trophy in 2002 and then again in 2013. Australia won the same trophy in 2006 and then three years later in 2009. In 2023, there were a strikingly large number of matches between India and Australia. They played in the World Test Championship and the World Cup. Both times Australia won. Ricky Ponting thinks it's hard to pick anyone but India or Australia as the best teams because they do really well in important matches. It's clearly their skills are laid bare for those who watch them play.

Ricky Ponting predicted India and Australia as the two finalists of the upcoming mega event, ICC Men's #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/T78I2InGFj

— The Gorilla (News & Updates) (@iGorilla19) February 2, 2025

Pakistan: The Unpredictable Contender

Ricky Ponting thinks that India and Australia are probably going to be in the final game, but he says Pakistan could be top rate too, because they're playing the game at their home, and that might help them a lot. Ponting said that Pakistan's team has been playing well when it comes to one day games. Even though Pakistan sometimes surprises us in major competitions, it looks as though they're getting better.

The Captain for Pakistan is Mohammad Rizwan, and they've been winning games against strong teams such as Australia and South Africa. They're getting ready for a wonderful year in 2025. Pakistan is also hoping to do what they did in 2017 at the Champions Trophy. That year, they beat India, which was the shining main part of the tournament, with Fakhar Zaman scoring many runs and their bowlers playing very hard.

ALSO READ: Respect His Journey: Rayudu Backs Kohli Amid Form Concerns

Tournament Schedule and Format

The major Champions Trophy for cricket is starting on February 19th . The first game is in Karachi, and Pakistan the team that lives there will play against New Zealand. The entire thing will finish with the last match on March 9th. Everyone who likes cricket is excited up and eager to watch all the amazing teams.

I bet there'll be a large amount of surprises, because you never know what can happen in these strikingly large games, Some people are wondering if Ponting correctly figured out who is going to win. Or maybe a team that's not supposed to win could win against everybody and become the best. We'll just have to wait and see all the really wonderful things that happen with the games in Pakistan.

During the Chennai T20I, Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy once again provided control for the hosts against England. While Harry Brook was once again foxed by Chakravarthy, former Indian cricketers and present commentators, Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar, teased him by mentioning the smog-free Chennai T20I.

Harry Brook blamed smog for their Kolkata T20I batting failure

Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosted the five-match T20I series opener between the hosts India and the visitors England last Wednesday night. After India sent the visitors to bat first, England scored 132 all out in 20 overs, and India chased down the target in 12.5 overs after losing three wickets. Apart from the English skipper Jos Buttler (68), none of the other English batters managed to reach the 20-run mark in that innings.

Talking about their poor batting performances, especially against the Indian spinners, Harry Brook blamed the smog condition in Kolkata.

See Also: Jos Buttler becomes 1st English batter to hit 150 T20I sixes

Brook once again fell early in Chennai T20I

Meanwhile, MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk, Chennai) is hosting the second game of the T20I series on Saturday. Although the vision is clearer in Chennai than in Kolkata, England batters once again disappointed despite their skipper Jos Buttler once again providing a powerful start. 

It was the seventh over of the first innings of the Chennai T20I when the Kolkata T20I hero Varun Chakravarthy bowled Harry Brook for 13 runs. Brook seemed clueless in that dismissal while the Indian commentators started teasing his dismissal by mentioning the smog. 

Ravi Shastri - you don't need the smog tonight. It sneaked through. 😂

Sunil Gavaskar - Chakravarthy might be asking if there's any smog? pic.twitter.com/MDWpwaNGks

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 25, 2025

Former Indian cricketer and head coach, Ravi Shastri said, “That’s through it. Once again, it’s Varun Chakravarthy. You don’t need the smog. This is sneaked through, and it's crushed into the stumps.”

Meanwhile, the legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar added, “You said it, you said it. The light is clearer here, and there were some smog in Eden Gardens, Kolkata, no smog here.”

Celebrating 50 Years of Cricket at Wankhede: A Night of Nostalgia, Fun, and Future Promises

There is a well known location in India where they play cricket over many years, similar to a large playground, called Wankhede Stadium. It turned 50 years old, and everyone threw an exciting celebration party for it. Many famous cricket players and people who like cricket very much came to the party. The people from the Mumbai Cricket Association made sure everything was great.

Everyone was remembering the happy past and telling funny and appealing stories about the stadium. That stadium is of major importance for cricket in India. Among the highlights of the evening was India's captain, Rohit Sharma, who delighted the crowd with his playful antics. A video shared by the Mumbai Indians, the franchise he leads, captured Rohit gesturing enthusiastically toward the spectators. He invited one lucky fan from the audience to join him on stage, and what followed was a fun filled moment as Rohit performed animated dance moves, spreading joy and laughter among the crowd. His playful shenanigans reflected his charismatic personality and brought a light-hearted touch to the event.

ALSO READ: Ravi Shastri’s Six-Sixes Storm: The Day Wankhede Witnessed History

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗜 😂#Wankhede50 #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/Lb7WWQCiJL

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 19, 2025

The evening also saw some emotional moments as cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar were honored for their contributions to the sport. Both have created indelible marks on the history of Indian cricket, and their presence at the celebration was a reminder of the storied legacy of the stadium. Rohit Sharma, who has had his own share of memorable moments at Wankhede, took the opportunity to make a promise to the fans. He vowed to bring the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to Wankhede, further fueling the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming tournament. This gesture highlighted his leadership and connection with the venue that has witnessed many of his iconic performances.

Adding to the good mood of the evening, former cricketer Ravi Shastri shared stories of his six-sixes feat from the 1985 tournament, a moment still cherished by cricket fans. The evening was not just about celebrating the stadium’s history but also about looking forward to the future of Indian cricket. The Wankhede Stadium's 50th anniversary celebration successfully captured the essence of cricket's rich heritage while also embracing the playful and passionate spirit that defines the sport in India. The event was a testament to the enduring legacy of the venue and its connection with the players and fans alike.

When Ravi Shastri Painted the Wankhede Sky Red with Six Maximums

Ravi Shastri hit so many sixes in oneday format, it was like a major storm! If he was noting that day on January 10, 1985, he'd say, there will be a storm soon, and it is very strong! Mister Shastri did something exceptionally wonderful at a cricket game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Ravi was playing cricket in a manner that was careful and sharp and informed, but then he started hitting the cricket ball really far. Mister Shastri was playing in Ranji Trophy, and the teams Bombay and Baroda were playing. Everyone who saw it would never forget it because Ravi changed the game with his amazing hits.

Shastri’s innings was anything but not ordinary. Bombay, reeling at 73/3 in their second innings, was stabilizing through a partnership between Lalchand Rajput and Sunil Gavaskar. But then, the moment arrived Shastri strode to the crease, looking every bit a man with a mission. "Here comes the man who can switch gears like a race car on steroids," one might imagine his commentary voice quipping. True to that thought, Shastri wasted no time settling in. His half-century came in just 38 minutes, a marvellous display that stunned even the most seasoned Wankhede regulars. In a match destined for a draw, the all-rounder decided to write his own story. And when he reached 100 in just 71 minutes, his intent was clear this was not ordinary day in Mumbai.

Ravi Shastri describing his Six Sixes in an over in a Ranji match at Wankhede in his own commentary style.

Don't miss the end 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/5O43FV80Bf

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) January 19, 2025

"That’s out of the park fetch it if you can!"

Shastri hit the cricket ball really, incredibly far. It went for six every time! Wow, that's a huge hit for six and he did it again! And again! He's only going after the biggest scores! When he hits the ball, don't go find it ,it's flown far away! When Shastri was batting, you could really tell he was having a great time. He did something exceptionally wonderful when he faced Tilak Raj.

In just one turn, Shastri hit the ball very far over and over, all six times Raj blew the ball. Joining the legendary Sir Garry Sobers in the rarest of clubs, Shastri became only the second player in cricket history to smash six sixes in an over. Each stroke was an exclamation point, punctuating a contest that had suddenly morphed into an all time classic.

ALSO READ: Rohit vs. Pandya: Reports Suggest Rohit Doesn't Want Pandya as Vice-Captain

"And there it is—double century for Ravi Shastri in record time!"

Ravi Shastri hit the ball inordinately speedily and scored a lot of runs. Mister Shastri got 200 runs in just 113 minutes, which is very fast! Before, the record was there for 82 years, but then Shastri made it stop! It's incredible because he hit six balls over the fence six times in one game!

"This game isn’t over yet, folks!"

Right after Shastri scored 200 runs, Bombay said the other team, Baroda, needed to score 499 runs to win, and they had very little time to do it. The game was without a winner, but Baroda was in major trouble because they lost 7 of their players very quickly, in only 18 deliveries throwing the ball. Even when the game was completely finished, everyone still discussed how Shastri was extremely skilled at playing. A long time ago, Shastri hit a substantial share of runs and it was incredibly unique clearly, he was telling us that wonderful things were going to occur later. Then, many years after, when we were all watching the World T20 in 2007, Yuvraj Singh did the same positive thing! Mr. Singh hit six important hits in one over just as Shastri did.

And Shastri was there discussing it, saying very good things. He described the pesky bat that was causing a substantial share of trouble tonight. From that January afternoon in 1985 to the present day, Shastri’s incredible achievement remains etched in cricketing folklore. It’s a reminder that even the most watchful players can ignite the most unforgettable fireworks.

"Remember the name-Ravi Shastri. Six sixes in an over, the fastest double ton. Legend."

Virat Kohli's struggle came to a close as India lost the Border Gavaskar Trophy Test series for the first time in over a decade. The Indian batting legend could only manage 190 runs across nine Test innings at a very modest average of 23.75. Apart from his stellar century in Perth which came in favorable batting conditions, Kohli looked all at sea while combating a hostile Aussie pace attack.

His weakness while playing deliveries outside off-stump was severely exposed and the Australian quicks exploited his weakness to the fullest. The manner in which he was dismissed across all eight innings sparked immediate concerns regarding his longevity in the red-ball arena.

See also: Kohli's plot to evade taxes exposed after astonishing revelation of his offshore properties in the UK

Shastri backs Kohli amidst poor form slump

Kohli's decline in form has been a major source of concern for Team India in recent times.  A string of poor performances has lowered his Test batting average to 24.52 in 2024. But former cricket coach turned commentator, Ravi Shastri has offered a few words of encouragement to the struggling ace batter. 

He believes Kohli will come good and when the time is right, he will unleash his fury and produce the goods for India as he used to do during his prime days. In a conversation with CODE Sports, Shastri makes a bold remark on Kohli's Test future and suggests that it may not come as a surprise to him if he sees Kohli again on Australian shores.

"Mark my words. I won't be surprised if we see Virat Kohli playing Test cricket again on Australian soil."

Without a doubt, Kohli is a living legend of the game. He encountered a similar drop in form in the white-ball arena and later turned it around by concluding the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign on a high averaging in excess of 50. But aged 37, time seems to be running out and with the likes of Jurel, Sarfaraz, and Patidar waiting in the ranks, it is highly unlikely we may see him dominate the Aussies in their own backyard again. 

Ravi Shastri Calls for Two-Tier Test System Post MCG Epic

Former India cricket coach Ravi Shastri has reiterated his stance on the need for a two-tier system in Test cricket. Shastri's comments come after the historic Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) drew record-breaking crowds. Over five days, a total of 373,691 spectators attended the match, setting a new benchmark for Test cricket in Australia.

A Test for the Ages

The match at the MCG triumphed in the exciting environment, or world, of cricket lovers, really showing why the classic five-day match is still spectacular. Shastri took to The Australian to point out how amazing Test cricket match was, especially when top teams go head-to-head, proving the game's still doing very well.

"To break crowd records that have stood for nearly a century is a testimony to the fact that when the best teams play, the toughest and best format of the game is still alive and thriving," wrote Shastri.

ALSO READ:Gautam Gambhir's Viral Dressing Room Chat After Loss at Melbourne

Advocating for Two Tiers

The ex-coach really thinks Test cricket needs to change to stay both competitive and appealing worldwide. He came up with an idea for a two-tier system that puts the best six to eight teams in a top division. Teams that do well in the second division could move up, and the teams that aren't performing very well in the top division could be dropped down.

Shastri said you must have the best 6 or 8 teams play in a two-tier system, where teams can go higher or lower based on how they do. He reckons games won't pull in large groups unless the teams playing against each other are really good.

The Five-Day Debate

Shastri was into keeping test matches five days long. He didn't agree with making them four days just to attract more people to watch. He used the silly ending of the MCG test as proof that five days are the way to go. Shastri had his say on whether test matches should be shorter or not during the entire debate.

"The MCG Test is further proof of why we need five days for a classic Test match," he said.

Revisiting the Two-Tier Proposal

In 2016, the International Cricket Council (ICC) came up with a plan to have a two-tier system for Test cricket but a large number of cricket boards didn't enjoy it and said no, so it was completely stopped. Some people didn't like the idea because they thought it would leave out the weaker teams and stop cricket from becoming popular worldwide.

Shastri thinks that if only the top players compete at the highest level, test cricket would be significantly more interesting for fans. This setup means teams in the second tier would really want to do better to move up the rankings.

A Vision for the Future

Cricket's oldest and most impressive form, Test cricket, is currently facing tough rivals mainly those short and quick T20 matche but there's a push to keep it popular and relevant. Shastri threw out an idea to help with this mission, working to keep Test cricket strong as part of a larger plan.

For people who really love cricket, the MCG test that broke records showed the special characteristics that only test cricket can give. Wanting to make sure the fun stays, Shastri wants to introduce a two-tier system to make sure test cricket stays key in the sport for a long time.

In comparison to batters and bowlers, India has produced a relatively scarce number of quality all-rounders. Top-order batters and spin spinners have always dominated the cricketing landscape. However, the few all-rounders that have emerged are not just numbers but remarkable talents on the world stage.

These Indian all-rounders have consistently showcased their versatility with both bat and ball, winning matches single-handedly, inspiring their teammates, and setting a benchmark for aspiring young cricketers. Here's a writeup to the top 5 Indian all-rounders who have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket history.  

Kapil Dev

It's no surprise to find Kapil Dev topping the given list. Kapil Dev, an embodiment of raw spirit and grit, has the potential to be remembered as one of India's best athletes. He bowls for extraordinarily lengthy durations that modern bowlers could never imagine, and he has never missed a match due to fitness difficulties. The former captain is India's third-highest wicket-taker in Tests.

But, above all, the 1983 World Cup win was the catalyst for the halo around him. His incredible catch to eliminate Viv Richards in the World Cup final may have been the turning point in the West Indies' dominance. In 382 international cricket matches, he has scored a colossal 9031 runs and 687 wickets. 

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin's career has been a rollercoaster, but it has significantly influenced his arsenal. He replaced Harbhajan Singh on the Indian team and shattered several test records. Ashwin, a street-smart cricketer, used several variations to confuse batters across forms.

Even though he was one of the players who lost his spot in the ODI and T20 teams owing to India's glut of spinners, no one could match his test supremacy. With cautious knocks and daring ramp shots, Ashwin is one of India's top all-rounders. He has scored 4302 runs and taken 744 wickets in his current international spell across all formats.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja completely transformed the fielding aspect of the game, including his all-round ability. Jadeja failed to gain a position on the Indian side despite playing as Virat Kohli's vice-captain in the Under-19 World Cup. Jadeja is still evolving as a limited-overs all-rounder, but his combination with Ravichandran Ashwin is lethal in Test cricket. Jadeja is now a match-winning batsman, ball player, and fielder.

India cannot omit him from any of their teams. With his recent retirement from the T20I side, his fundamental contributions in the ODI and Test formats will be crucial for the Indian team in the coming days. In his international career, he has made 6393 runs and scalped 568 matches in 279 matches.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja Entertain Once More at Chepauk

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan was hyped as the future Kapil Dev during his early career. A great left-arm bowling all-rounder with the ability to swing the ball both ways joined the Indian team and immediately made an impression. He became the first Indian bowler to achieve a test hat-trick in the opening three deliveries of a test match.

After demonstrating his ability to knock rapid boundaries late in the innings, he was an easy pick to play for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup, when he was named Man of the Match in the final. In his 141-match career, he scored 2821 runs and scalped 301 wickets. 

Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri is a complete all-rounder both on and off the pitch. In some ways, he revolutionised the game by going against the tide. While batters began scoring runs more quickly, his defensive tactics, such as his ability to play long innings and tire out the opposition and subsequent high scores against formidable opponents, greatly benefited him.

He was a right-handed batsman who bowled left-arm orthodox, an unusual breed of player. But at times, Ravi Shastri became so vicious that he blasted six sixes in one over. His excellent statistics of 3830 runs with 151 wickets in test cricket and 3108 runs with 129 wickets in one-day internationals speak for themselves. Adding cherry on the top, he is also excellent at coaching and commenting.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has often been at the forefront of introducing innovative rules to spice up the game. One such rule that has garnered both praise and criticism is the Impact Player rule. Introduced to add excitement and unpredictability to the IPL matches, this rule has sparked a debate among players and coaches regarding its effectiveness and implications.

What is the Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player rule, implemented in the IPL, allows teams to designate a player as an ‘Impact Player’ during the match. This player can earn additional points for the team based on their performance, influencing the game’s outcome significantly.

See Also: GT vs KKR: Match abandoned as KKR cement their place at top two

Ravi Shastri’s Endorsement

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has emerged as a staunch supporter of the Impact Player rule. Shastri expressed his approval in a conversation with R Ashwin on his YouTube channel, citing its contribution to thrilling finishes in IPL matches. He emphasized the need to adapt to changing times and welcomed the rule to enhance the league’s competitiveness.

“The Impact Player [rule] is good. You have to evolve with the times. You know, it happens in other sports as well. It’s got tighter finishes. You have to evolve with the times and I think it’s a good rule. You saw the number of tight finishes we had in last year’s IPL. So, you know, it has made a big difference,” Shastri told R Ashwin on his Youtube channel.

Rohit Sharma’s Concerns

Contrary to Shastri’s viewpoint, India captain Rohit Sharma has voiced concerns regarding the Impact Player rule. Sharma believes that the rule might hinder the development of all-rounders in the league, potentially affecting the balance of the teams. His apprehensions raise questions about the rule’s long-term implications for player strategies and team dynamics.

Ashwin’s Case Study: Dhruv Jurel

In defense of the Impact Player rule, R Ashwin highlighted the case of Dhruv Jurel, who rose from being designated as an Impact Player in IPL 2023 to making his Test debut for India within a year. Jurel’s journey serves as a testament to the opportunities created by the rule for budding talents to showcase their skills on a larger stage and earn recognition.

“You know when any new rule comes in, there will be…people will try and justify why that’s not right,” Shastri said. “But in time when you see the scores – 200 and 190 – and then like you mentioned individuals grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it, people will start re-looking at how they think about it.”

Tighter Finishes and Enhanced Excitement

One of the immediate outcomes of the Impact Player rule has been the emergence of tighter finishes in IPL matches. The additional points at stake for the Impact Player have injected a sense of urgency and excitement, leading to nail-biting conclusions to games. This unpredictability aspect adds to the league’s entertainment value, attracting a broader audience.

In anticipation of the IND vs ENG first Test match in Hyderabad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to revive the prestigious Naman Awards ceremony after a four-year hiatus. The ceremony, dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Indian cricketers, returns for its latest edition before the much-anticipated match.

Notable awardees include Shubman Gill, named Cricketer of the Year, and former India head coach Ravi Shastri, honored with the Lifetime Achievement award. The Naman Awards also shine a spotlight on emerging talents in Indian cricket who have excelled in domestic competitions.

With the BCCI Naman Awards making a comeback after 2020, the board decided to honor players for their exceptional performances during the 2020-23 period.

Here’s the full list of winners for the BCCI Naman Awards 2024:

Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy:

• Most runs in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy: Uday Saharan (Punjab) in 2019-20 and Vihaan Malhotra (Punjab) in 2022-23
• Most wickets in U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy: Nirdesh Baisoya (Meghalaya) in 2019-20 and Anmoljeet Singh (Punjab) in 2022-23
• Best woman cricketer in Senior domestic WODI: Saee Puandare (2019-20), Indrani Roy (2020-21), Kanika Ahuja (2021-22), Nabam Yapu (2022-23)
• Best woman cricketer in Junior domestic: Kashvee Gautam (2019-20), Soumya Tiwari (2021-22), and Vaishnavi Sharma (2022-23)

MA Chidambaram Trophy:

• Highest run-scorer in Col CK Nayudu Trophy (U23): Parth Palawat (2019-20), YV Rathod (2021-22), and Kshitij Patel (2022-23)
• Highest wicket-taker in Col CK Nayudu Trophy (U23): Ankush Tyagi (2019-20), Harsh Dubey (2021-22), and Vishal B Jayswal (2022-23)
• Highest run-scorer in Cooch Behar Trophy (U19): P Kanpillewar (2019-20), Mayank Shandilya (2021-22), and Dinesh Malewar (2022-23)
• Highest wicket-taker in Cooch Behar Trophy (U19): Harsh Dubey (2019-20), AR Nishad (2021-22), and Manav Chothani (2022-23)

SEE ALSO:WPL 2024:Women’s Premier League 2024 Full schedule

Madhav Rao Scindia Award:

• Most runs in the Ranji Trophy: Rahul Dalal (2019-20), Sarfaraz Khan (2021-22), and Mayank Agarwal (2022-23)
• Most wickets in the Ranji Trophy: Jaydev Unadkat (2019-20), Shams Mulani (2021-22), and Jalaj Saxena (2022-23)

Lala Amarnath Award:

• Best All-Rounder in Ranji Trophy: MB Murasingh (2019-20), Shams Mulani (2021-22), and Saransh Jain (2022-23)
• Best All-Rounder in Limited Overs format: Baba Aparajith (2019-20), Rishi Dhawan (2020-21, 2021-22), and Riyan Parag (2022-23)

Best Performance in Domestic Tournaments:

• Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2019-20
• Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy 2021-22
• Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy 2022-23

Best Umpires in Domestic Cricket:

• A Padmanabhan (2019-20)
• Vrinda Rathi (2020-21)
• Jayaraman Madangopal (2021-22)
• Rohan Pandit (2022-23)

Highest Run Scorer in ODIs (Women):

• Poonam Raut (2019-20)
• Mithali Raj (2020-21)
• Harmanpreet Kaur (2021-22)
• Jemimah Rodrigues (2022-23)

Highest Wicket-Taker in ODIs (Women):

• Poonam Yadav (2019-20)
• Jhulan Goswami (2020-21)
• Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2021-22)
• Devika Vaidya (2022-23)

Dilip Sardesai Award:

• Most runs in a Test series: Yashasvi Jaiswal vs West Indies in 2023
• Most wickets in a Test series: Ravichandran Ashwin vs West Indies in 2023

Best International Debut (Women):

• Priya Punia (2019-20)
• Shafali Varma (2020-21)
• Sabbhineni Meghana (2021-22)
• Amanjot Kaur (2022-23)

Best International Debut (Men):

• Mayank Agarwal (2019-20)
• Axar Patel (2020-21)
• Shreyas Iyer (2021-22)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal (2022-23)

Best International Cricketer (Women):

• Deepti Sharma (2019-20, 2022-23)
• Smriti Mandhana (2020-21, 2021-22)

Polly Umrigar Award (Best International Cricketer Men):

• Mohammed Shami (2019-20)
• Ravichandran Ashwin (2020-21)
• Jasprit Bumrah (2021-22)
• Shubman Gill (2022-23)

Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award:

• Farokh Engnineer (2019-20)
• Ravi Shastri (2022-23)

The BCCI Naman Awards 2024 acknowledges the remarkable contributions and performances across various categories, celebrating the essence of Indian cricket excellence.

Former India player, as well as former India head coach Ravi Shastri, has applauded Ravindra Jadeja for maintaining his upperhand on Steve Smith and dismissing him with a stunning delivery in the World Cup 2023 match between India and Australia as well.

However, Jadeja registered figures of 3/28 in 10 overs, including Smith’s wicket, as India bowled out the Aussies for 199 in Chennai on Sunday, October 8. The hosts then chased down the total with six wickets and 52 balls to spare to begin their campaign on a winning note as well.

While reviewing the game on Star Sports, Shastri said: “Dream dismissal and he has dismissed him 10 to 12 times. He (Smith) is his bunny. It is not that easy to play such a delivery because of the speed at which he bowls. As a batter, you don’t know which ball is going to turn and which ball will go straight.”

Meanwhile, the former Indian all-rounder also added that the left-arm spinner eventually forces batters to second-guess his deliveries as well.

He expressed: “He (Jadeja) himself said in the interview that he doesn’t know which ball will turn and which will go straight. If he doesn’t know, how will the batter know? So he plays inside the line at times and outside the line on other occasions.”

However, Ravi Shastri again shared that Jadeja is extremely difficult to play on spin-friendly surfaces. So far, Jadeja has dismissed Steve Smith 11 times in international cricket. Apart from him, the veteran spin-bowling all-rounder also dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey to keep them under the pressure.

“If he plays outside, he becomes leg-before and if he plays inside, it hits the stumps, just like it happened with Smith. It’s not easy as he will trouble anyone. If he gets a surface like this, he becomes the most difficult bowler because his every ball does not turn,” he concluded.